the "FRIENDS" experience

Originally created for the Friends show’s 25th anniversary, soon Chicago fans of the long running popular TV program can celebrate their favorite friends and revisit some of the series’ most iconic moments. The “set of Friends” will be on display with a two-story, enhanced walk-through experience created by Superfly X, Warner Bros. Consumer products and Warner Bros. Television Group.

"The One In Chicago" Friends experience will be located at The Shops at North Bridge on the Magnificent Mile at 540 N. Michigan Ave. (the corner of N. Michigan Ave. and E. Ohio St.). Tickets go on sale Wednesday, September 2, at 10:00 a.m. CDT exclusively at https://www. FriendstheExperience.com/Chicago

The interactive space features 12 nostalgia-packed rooms and activations plus several all-new experiences including Monica’s kitchen and balcony and the iconic Friends fountain. The space provides opportunities to explore the show’s history and re-create your favorite moments including peaking around Rachel and Monica’s purple door, relaxing in Chandler and Joey’s recliner, or helping Ross with the infamous sofa pivot. And of course, the space will feature a re-created Central Perk with the legendary orange couch where you can be like Phoebe and serenade your friends with “Smelly Cat.” The experience opens October 1, 2021 and runs through January 3, 2022. Hours are posted on their website listed below. Guests can reserve a timed entry to visit with a ticket priced at $35.00 (plus taxes and fees.) The experience includes a Friends retail store featuring exclusive product that will also be open to non-ticketed guests.

To ensure a safe environment for the staff and guests, there will be measures taken throughout the space including but not limited to social distancing, requiring masks, non-invasive temperature checks and thorough cleaning and sanitization measures.

BTW: The Friends Experience is committed to investing in our youth and supporting education and arts in underserved communities. In addition to complimentary tickets to the experience, a portion of every ticket will be donated to My Block, My Hood, My City, an organization that provides underprivileged youth in Chicago with opportunities beyond their home neighborhoods.

For more information, visit www. FriendsTheExperience.com/Chicago.

Photos credit: Justin Barbin